Shifter assembly having a pivot mechanism

ABSTRACT

A shifter assembly including a shift lever pivotally mounted to a housing, a shift lever, a first pivot mechanism, a gimbal ring, and a second pivot mechanism. The lever is movable in a first gate along a first plurality of paths, a second gate along a second plurality of paths, and a bridge gate between the first and second gates. The first pivot mechanism is mounted to the lever to permit movement about a first pivot axis within one of the gates. The gimbal has an aperture and is disposed about and coupled to the lever. The second pivot mechanism is mounted to the gimbal to permit movement about a second pivot axis within another one of the gates. The axes are spaced from each other. The gimbal has receivers recessed from the inner surface with the first pivot mechanism engaging the receivers to couple the lever to the gimbal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefitsof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/874,598, which wasfiled on Sep. 6, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally automotive shifter systems, and,more specifically, to a shifter assembly having a pivot mechanism.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional automotive powertrain systems known in the art typicallyinclude an engine in rotational communication with a transmission. Theengine generates rotational torque which is selectively translated tothe transmission which, in turn, translates rotational torque to one ormore wheels. Typically, the transmission multiplies the rotational speedand torque generated by the engine through a series of predeterminedgear sets, whereby changing between gear sets enables a vehicle totravel at different vehicle speeds for a given engine speed. Thus, thegear sets of the transmission are configured such that the engine canoperate at particularly desirable rotational speeds so as to optimizeperformance and efficiency.

There are a number of different types of automotive transmissions knownin the art. For example, so-called “manual” transmission systems includea clutch disposed between the engine and transmission for modulatingengagement therebetween, and a shifter assembly for changing betweengear sets. The clutch and shifter assembly are both mechanicallyconnected to the manual transmission and are driver-actuated.Conventional “automatic” transmission systems, on the other hand,require substantially less driver input, whereby a hydraulic torqueconverter replaces the clutch, and changing between gear sets isachieved electronically through solenoids controlled by a transmissioncontroller. However, because automatic transmission systems can changebetween gear sets without driver interaction, a shifter assembly istypically provided for operating the automatic transmission in differentmodes, such as “park,” “neutral,” “reverse,” and/or “drive.”

When compared to conventional manual transmission systems, conventionalautomatic transmission systems were inefficient, shifted slowly, andresponded poorly. However, modern automatic transmission systems haveimproved significantly in recent years and are now capable ofperformance that exceeds that of conventional manual transmissionsystems. By way of example, modern automatic transmission systems mayomit a torque converter and/or may include one or more electronicallyand/or hydraulically actuated clutches (sometimes referred to in the artas a “dual clutch automatic transmission) that can be shiftedelectronically and, thus, quickly. Similarly, conventional manualtransmissions may be automated, whereby electronic actuators are used toshift between gear sets and modulate the clutch without operatorinteraction.

Given the trend in the art of utilizing electronic actuators to controltransmission systems, modern shifter assemblies may be “drive-by-wire”and control the transmission electronically, as opposed to conventionalshifter assemblies that utilize cables. As such, and particularly withrespect to high-end performance vehicles, there is a trend in the art ofutilizing “manual-shift” or “sport” modes, whereby the driver is able toquickly shift the automatic transmission between gear sets, as well asbetween operating modes, as noted above. To that end, the driveroperates one or more electronic actuators in communication with thetransmission controller to engage “manual-shift” mode and subsequentlycontrol the solenoids to selectively “shift up” or “shift down” betweengear sets. Actuators of this type are implemented as one or more buttonsand/or levers mounted to or near the shifter assembly and/or a steeringwheel. The actuator used to engage “manual-shift” mode is spaced fromthe actuator or actuators used to change between gear sets, therebycomplicating the functionality, usability, and ergonomics of the shifterassembly, as well as the cost and complexity of manufacturing andassembling the shifter assembly.

While shifter assemblies known in the prior art have generally performedwell for their intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for animproved shifter assembly that strikes a substantial balance betweencost, manufacturability, functionality, usability, and ergonomics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the related art ina shifter assembly for changing gears in a vehicle transmission. Theshifter assembly includes a housing, a shift lever, a first pivotmechanism, a gimbal ring, and a second pivot mechanism. The shift leveris pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable in a first gate alonga first plurality of shift paths, a second gate along a second pluralityof shift paths, and a bridge gate between the first and second gateswith the gates being different from each other. The first pivotmechanism is mounted to the shift lever to permit movement of the shiftlever relative to the housing about a first pivot axis within one of thegates. The gimbal ring has an outer surface and an inner surfacedefining an aperture with the gimbal ring disposed about and coupled tothe shift lever with the shift lever extending through the aperture. Thesecond pivot mechanism is mounted to the gimbal ring to permit movementof the shift lever relative to the housing about a second pivot axiswithin another one of the gates, the second pivot axis being spaced fromthe first pivot axis. The gimbal ring has a pair of pivot receiversrecessed from the inner surface and spaced from the outer surface withthe first pivot mechanism of the shift lever engaging each of the pivotreceivers to pivotally couple the shift lever to the gimbal ring.

In this way, the shifter assembly of the present invention providesimproved functionality, usability, and ergonomics in connection withconventional automatic transmission systems and, at the same time,reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing and assembling shifterassemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shifter assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the shifter assembly of FIG.1, showing a housing inner element, a shifter subassembly, a pair ofhousing side elements, a lower housing element, and a shift knob.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shifter subassembly, one of thehousing side elements, and a portion of the housing inner element ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shifter subassembly and housinginner elements of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the shifter subassembly andhousing inner elements of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the shifter subassembly andhousing inner elements of FIGS. 4 and 5, showing a circuit boardsupported in the housing inner elements.

FIG. 6B is another exploded perspective view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the shifter subassembly and housing innerelements of FIG. 6A showing the shifter subassembly in a stableconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the shifter subassembly and housing innerelements of FIG. 7 showing the shifter subassembly in a first unstableconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the shifter subassembly and housing innerelements of FIG. 7 showing the shifter subassembly in a second unstableconfiguration.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the shifter subassembly of FIG. 6A in a firststable gate position.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the shifter subassembly of FIG. 10 in anunstable gate position.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the shifter subassembly of FIG. 10 in a secondstable gate position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shifter subassembly of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the shifter subassembly of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the shifter subassembly ofFIG. 6A, showing a shift lever, a gimbal ring, a pair of emitters, and apair of links.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial perspective view of one end of the shiftlever of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the gimbal ring of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the shifter assembly of FIG. 1 without theshift knob.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the shifter assembly of FIGS. 2 and 15showing one of the housing elements, the shift lever, and the gimbalring.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken from FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a fragmented side view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe shifter assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the housing lower element of FIG. 2.

FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of movement of the shifterassembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate likeparts throughout the several views, a shifter assembly is shown at 30 inFIGS. 1 and 2. The shifter assembly 30 is used to change gears in avehicle transmission 31. More specifically, the shifter assembly 30cooperates with an automatic transmission 31 (shown schematically andgenerally known in the art) of a vehicle so as to enable a driver tooperate the transmission 31 in a plurality of vehicle driving modes,such as “park,” “neutral,” “reverse,” and “drive,” as well as between aplurality of predetermined transmission gear sets, whereby the drivercan selectively “shift up” and “shift down” to change between gear sets.To that end, the shifter assembly 30 is in electrical communication withone or more electronic control units 33, such as an engine ortransmission controller 33 (shown schematically and generally known inthe art) which, in turn, is responsive to predetermined signalsgenerated by the shifter assembly 30 and can subsequently control theautomatic transmission 31 as required. The electronic control unit 33drives one or more actuators, such as solenoids (not shown, butgenerally known in the art) to control the transmission 31. However,those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shifterassembly 30 of the present invention could be used in connection with anautomatic transmission controlled in any suitable way, with or withoutan electronic control unit 33 or actuators as described above, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, it will beappreciated that the shifter assembly 30 of the present invention can beused in connection with any suitable type of transmission. By way ofnon-limiting example, the transmission could be a conventional automaticthat employs a torque converter, a modern automatic that employs one ormore electronically and/or hydraulically actuated clutches, or aconventional manual with an automatically actuated clutch.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 26, the shifter assembly 30 of thepresent invention includes a housing 32 and a shift lever 34 pivotallymounted to the housing 32. The shift lever 34 is movable in a first gate36 along a first plurality of shift paths 38A, 38B, as well as in asecond gate 40 along a second plurality of shift paths 42A, 42B. Thefirst gate 36 is different from the second gate 40. Moreover, theshifter assembly 30 is configured such that the shift lever 34 ismovable along a bridge gate 44 between the first gate 36 and second gate40, with the bridge gate 44 being different than the first gate 36 andthe second gate 40. More specifically, movement of the shift lever 34along the gates 36, 40, 44 is effected by movement of a shift knob 46operatively attached to the shift lever 34, whereby the driver moves theshift knob 46 which, in turn, moves the shift lever 34, as describedabove. The housing 32, shift lever 34, gates 36, 40, 44, and shift paths38A, 38B, 42A, 42B will be described in greater detail below.

As shown best in FIG. 2, the housing 32 may be formed from a pluralityof elements that interlock or otherwise cooperate to accommodate andsupport the various components of the shifter assembly 30, as describedin greater detail below. As illustrated throughout the Figures, thehousing 32 includes a pair of side elements 48A, 48B, a lower element50, and a pair of inner elements 52A, 52B. This configuration simplifiesboth the manufacturing and assembly of the shifter assembly 30 andoptimizes the overall packaging size of the shifter assembly 30.However, it will be appreciated that the housing 32 could be formed fromany suitable number of elements, or from a single element, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-17, as noted above, the shift lever 34 ispivotally mounted to the housing 32. To that end, and in one embodiment,the shifter assembly 30 includes a first pivot mechanism 54, a gimbalring 56, and a second pivot mechanism 58. The first pivot mechanism 54is mounted to the shift lever 34 so as to permit movement of the shiftlever 34 relative to the housing 32 about a first pivot axis 60 withinone of the gates 36, 40, 44. The gimbal ring 56 has an outer surface 62and an inner surface 64 defining an aperture 66 with the gimbal ring 56disposed about and coupled to the shift lever 34, the shift lever 34extending through the aperture 66. The second pivot mechanism 58 ismounted to the gimbal ring 56 so as to permit movement of the shiftlever 34 relative to the housing 32 about a second pivot axis 68 withinanother of the gates 36, 40, 44, the second pivot axis 68 being spacedfrom the first pivot axis 60. As shown best in FIGS. 13 and 17, in oneembodiment, the first pivot axis 60 is substantially perpendicular tothe second pivot axis 68. However, it will be appreciated that the pivotaxes 60, 68 could be disposed, aligned, spaced, or otherwise configuredwith respect to each other in any suitable way. The gimbal ring 56 has apair of pivot receivers 70 recessed from the inner surface 64 and spacedfrom the outer surface 62, with the first pivot mechanism 54 of theshift lever 34 engaging each of the pivot receivers 70 so as topivotally couple the shift lever 34 to the gimbal ring 56. In oneembodiment, the gimbal ring 56 pivots in unison with the shift lever 34during the pivoting of the shift lever 34 about the second pivot axis 68(compare FIGS. 7-9).

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 17, and 19, in one embodiment, the secondpivot mechanism 58 includes a pair of bores 72A, 72B defined in thehousing 32, and a pair of opposing protrusions 74A, 74B extending fromthe outer surface 62 of the gimbal ring 56. As shown best in FIG. 17,the protrusions 74A, 74B are separated from each other and are spacedfrom the aperture 66 of the gimbal ring 56. Where the housing 32 isformed from at least two housing elements that cooperate to pivotallysupport the gimbal ring 56, such as the side elements 48A, 48B discussedabove, one of each of the bores 72A, 72B of the second pivot mechanism58 may be defined in each of the housing side elements 48A, 48B.Further, each of the housing side elements 48A, 48B may include anarcuate receiver 76A, 76B disposed adjacent to the bore 72A, 72B of thesecond pivot mechanism 58 having a configuration complementary to theouter surface 62 of the gimbal ring 56 for accommodating the gimbal ring56.

As noted above, the shift lever 34 extends through the aperture 66 ofthe gimbal ring 56. To that end, and as shown in FIGS. 15-17, the innersurface 64 of the gimbal ring 56 defines a first perimeter 78, and theshift lever 34 has an outer surface 80 adjacent the first pivotmechanism 54 defining a second perimeter 82. The first perimeter 78 islarger than the second perimeter 82 so as to permit relative movementbetween the shift lever 34 and the gimbal ring 56 as the shift lever 34moves in at least one of the gates 36, 40, 44.

As shown best in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first pivot mechanism 54 includesa pair of opposing pivot keys 84 mounted to the shift lever 34 thatcooperate with the pivot receivers 70 of the gimbal ring 56 so as toallow movement of the shift lever 34 about the first pivot axis 60. Thepivot keys 84 are separately mounted to the shift lever 34 and eachextend outwardly from the shift lever 34. The pivot keys 84 of the shiftlever 34 each have a key bearing surface 86, and the pivot receivers 70of the gimbal ring 56 have a receiver bearing surface 88. The keybearing surfaces 86 cooperate with the receiver bearing surfaces 88 soas to facilitate movement of the shift lever 34 about the first pivotaxis 60. In one embodiment, the key bearing surfaces 86 and the receiverbearing surfaces 88 each have a tapered profile. More specifically, thetapered profile of the bearing surfaces 86, 88 are at least partiallyconical. Each of the pivot keys 84 of the shift lever 34 have a pair ofkey walls 90A, 90B depending from the key bearing surface 86, and eachof the pivot receivers 70 of the gimbal ring 56 have a pair of receiverwalls 92A, 92B. The receiver walls 92A, 92B cooperate with the key walls90A, 90B so as to limit movement of the shift lever 34 about the firstpivot axis 60. The key walls 90A, 90B of the pivot keys 84 define afirst angle 94 therebetween (see FIG. 16) and the receiver walls 92A,92B of the pivot receivers 70 define a second angle 96 therebetween (seeFIG. 17). The second angle 96 is larger than the first angle 94 and maybe configured so as to optimize the limitation of movement of the shiftlever 34 about the first pivot axis 60, whereby a larger differentialbetween the angles 94, 96 correlates to a wider range of movement of theshift lever 34 about the first pivot axis 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 15, 16, and 20-23, the pivot keys 84 have anaxial lock 98 spaced from the key bearing surface 86, and the pivotreceivers 70 have an axial lock receiver 100 spaced from the receiverbearing surface 88. The axial lock 98 cooperates with the axial lockreceiver 100 so as to at least partially limit axial translation of theshift lever 34 with respect to the gimbal ring 56. It will beappreciated that this configuration enables simplified assembly of theshifter assembly 30, as well as consistent and predictable operation ofthe shift lever 34. In one embodiment, the axial lock 98 of the pivotkey 84 is further defined as a tooth 102, and the axial lock receiver100 of the pivot receiver 70 is further defined as a notch 104 forengaging the tooth 102.

As noted above, the shifter assembly 30 of the present invention isconfigured so as to enable the driver to operate the transmission 31 ina conventional automatic shifting mode and select between a plurality ofvehicle driving modes such as “park,” “neutral,” “reverse,” and “drive”,as well as operate the transmission 31 in a “sport” manual shifting modeand selectively “shift up” and “shift down” to change between gear sets.As will be appreciated from the description of the movement of the shiftlever 34 and gates 36, 40, 44 below, the shifter assembly 30 of thepresent invention is also configured so as to simplify the process ofchanging between the automatic shifting mode and the “sport” manualshifting mode. To that end, movement of the shift lever 34 along thebridge gate 44 between the first gate 36 (see FIG. 10) and the secondgate 40 (see FIG. 12) may correlate to a change in the shifting mode ofthe transmission 31 (compare FIG. 11 to FIGS. 10 and 12). By way ofnon-limiting example, the first gate 36 could represent a the automaticshifting mode and the second gate 40 could represent the “sport” manualshifting mode, wherein the first plurality of shift paths 38A, 38B wouldrepresent selection between vehicle driving modes (such as “neutral,”“reverse,” or “drive”) and the second plurality of shift paths 42A, 42Bwould represent selection between gear sets (such as “shift up” or“shift down”) (compare FIG. 7 to FIGS. 8 and 9). However, it will beappreciated that the gates 36, 40, 44 could represent different shiftingmodes, vehicle driving modes, or entirely different functionalitywithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown best in the schematic representation of movement of shift lever34 of the shifter assembly 30 in FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the bridgegate 44 is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first gate36 and the second gate 40. Similarly, the first gate 36 may besubstantially parallel to the second gate 40. However, those havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the gates 36, 40, 44could be disposed, aligned, or otherwise configured in any suitable waywithout departing from the scope of the present invention. In oneembodiment, a first stable position 106 is defined where the bridge gate44 intersects the first gate 36, and a second stable position 108 isdefined where the bridge gate 44 intersects the second gate 40 (see FIG.7). The shift lever 34 is biased: toward the first stable position 106when the shift lever 34 moves along the first plurality of shift paths38A, 38B (see FIG. 10), and toward the second stable position 108 whenthe shift lever 34 moves along the second plurality of shift paths 42A,42B (see FIG. 12).

The first plurality of shift paths 38A, 38B includes a first pair ofunstable positions 110A, 110B spaced from the first stable position 106,and the second plurality of shift paths 42A, 42B includes a second pairof unstable positions 112A, 112B spaced from the second stable position108. The shift lever 34 is biased: away from each of the first pair ofunstable positions 110A, 110B toward the first stable position 106 whenthe shift lever 34 moves in the first gate 36, and away from each of thesecond pair of unstable positions 112A, 112B toward the second stableposition 108 when the shift lever 34 moves in the second gate 40. Theshift lever 34 is biased along the bridge gate 44 toward the firststable position 106 when the shift lever 34 is closer to the firststable position 106 than to the second stable position 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 20, 22, and 25, in one embodiment, the shifterassembly 30 further includes a detent mechanism, generally indicated at114, disposed between the shift lever 34 and the housing 32 for biasingthe shift lever 34 along the bridge gate 44 between the first stableposition 106 and the second stable position 108. More specifically, thedetent mechanism 114 is disposed between the shift lever 34 and thehousing lower element 50. Further, in one embodiment, the shift lever 34has an inner surface 116 defining an inner chamber 118, and the detentmechanism 114 may be at least partially disposed within the innerchamber 118 of the shift lever 34, and at least partially adjacent tosaid first pivot mechanism 54. Moreover, it will be appreciated that theinner chamber 86 of the shift lever 34 may be configured to extendthrough the gimbal ring 56 and to the shift knob 46 and, as such, canprovide accommodation for wires, internal components, sensors, and thelike, as well as increased packaging flexibility.

The detent mechanism 114 includes a plunger 120 biased by a spring 122and coupled to the shift lever 34, and first and second receivers 124,126 defined in the housing 32, specifically in the housing lower element50. As shown best in FIG. 20, the spring 122 is a compression spring.However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thespring 122 could be of any suitable type without departing from thescope of the present invention. The spring-biased plunger 120 engagesthe first receiver 124 when the shift lever 34 is in the first gate 36,and engages the second receiver 126 when the shift lever 34 is in thesecond gate 40. The spring-biased plunger 120 is adapted to axially biasthe shift lever 34 with respect to the second pivot mechanism 58.

In one embodiment, the shifter assembly 30 further includes a ramp 128disposed between the first receiver 124 and the second receiver 126. Theramp 128 urges the plunger 120 of the detent mechanism 114 toward thecloser of the first receiver 124 and the second receiver 126 such thatthe shift lever 34 is biased: toward the first stable position 106 whenthe shift lever 34 moves along the first plurality of shift paths 38A,38B, and toward the second stable position 108 when the shift lever 34moves along the second plurality of shift paths 42A, 42B. As shown bestin FIGS. 22 and 25, at least one of the first receiver 124 and thesecond receiver 126 has a substantially arcuate profile with a centralapex 130, and the plunger 120 of the detent mechanism 114 is disposedadjacent to the central apex 130 when the shift lever 34 is in one ofthe first stable position 106 and the second stable position 108. Thearcuate profile of the receivers 124, 126 urges the plunger 120 towardthe central apex 130 such that the shift lever 34 is biased: away fromeach of the first pair of unstable positions 110A, 110B toward the firststable position 106 when the shift lever 34 moves in the first gate 36,and away from each of the second pair of unstable positions 112A, 112Btoward the second stable position 108 when the shift lever 34 moves inthe second gate 40.

As noted above, in one embodiment of the shifter assembly 30 of thepresent invention, the second pivot mechanism 58 includes a pair ofbores 72A, 72B defined in the housing 32, and a pair of opposingprotrusions 74A, 74B extending from the outer surface 62 of the gimbalring 56. As shown in FIG. 19, the bores 72A, 72B and the protrusions74A, 74B have a substantially cylindrical profile. Referring now to FIG.24, in an alternate embodiment of the shifter assembly 30 of the presentinvention, the second pivot mechanism 58 includes a pair of sockets 132(only one socket 132 is shown in FIG. 24) defined in the housing 32, anda pair of opposing protrusions 74A, 74B extending from the outer surface62 of the gimbal ring 56. Each of the sockets 132 has inclined walls 134with the spring-biased plunger 120 urging the protrusions 74A, 74B ofthe gimbal ring 56 against the inclined walls 134 of the sockets 130.Each of the sockets 132 is slightly larger than the protrusions 74A, 74Bsuch that when the protrusions 74A, 74B are urged against the inclinedwalls 134 a space is created between the protrusions 74A, 74B and abottom of the sockets 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-15, in one embodiment of the present invention,the shifter assembly 30 includes one or more sensing arrangements forelectronically recognizing or registering movements of the shift lever34. Each sensing arrangement will be discussed in greater detail below.One such sensing arrangement includes an emitter 136, a detector 138,and a link 140. The emitter 136 is spaced from the shift lever 34 and ismovable along a fixed path, generally indicated at 142. The detector 138is coupled to the housing 32 for determining a position of the emitter136 along the fixed path 142. The link 140 is operatively attached tothe shift lever 34 and the emitter 136 such that the movement of theshift lever 34 in the first gate 36 causes corresponding movement of theemitter 136 along the fixed path 142, and the movement of the shiftlever 34 in the second gate 40 causes corresponding movement of theemitter 136 also along the fixed path 142. In other words, movement ofthe shift lever 34 in both the first gate 36 and the second gate 40causes corresponding movement of the same emitter 136 along the samefixed path 142.

The link 140 is coupled to the shift lever 34 and the emitter 136 insuch a manner as to permit movement of the shift lever 34 relative tothe link 140 during the movement of the shift lever 34. In other words,the link 140 is capable of rotating, angling, translating or the like inone or more directions relative to the shift lever 34. Stated yetanother way, although the movement of the link 140 is tied to ordependent upon the movement of the shift lever 34, the movement of thelink 140 is not in unison with the shift lever 34 and these componentsdo no move as a single unit. As shown, the link 140 is coupled to atleast one of the shift lever 34 and the emitter 136 through a rotatablejoint, generally indicated at 146. The rotatable joint 146 permits therelative movement of the link 140 to the shifter lever 34 withoutrestricting or binding the movement of the shift lever 34.

The shift lever 34, gimbal ring 56, emitter 136, link 140, and othercomponents cooperate to define a shifter subassembly, generallyindicated at 143, that is supported by and at least partially within thehousing 32. Each of these components, as well as additional componentsof the shifter subassembly 143, will be described in greater detailbelow.

As best shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the shifter assembly 30further includes a track 144 and a guide 145. The track 144 isoperatively attached to the housing 32 and, more specifically, is formedin a lower of the housing inner elements 52A. The guide 145 is supportedin and movable along the track 144 with the emitter 136 and the link 140both operatively attached to the guide 145 such that the fixed path 142is defined by movement of the guide 145 along the track 144. In oneembodiment, the fixed path 142 is substantially parallel to at least oneof the first gate 36 and the second gate 40. Further, in one embodiment,the fixed path 142 has a substantially linear profile (compare FIGS.7-9).

As illustrated throughout the Figures, the link 140 is coupled to bothof the shift lever 34 and the emitter 136 through corresponding balljoints 148A, 148B. As such, the rotatable joint 146, in the embodimentshown, if further defined as ball joints. More specifically, the guide145 and the link 140 are pivotally coupled about a first ball joint148A, and the shift lever 34 and the link 140 are pivotally coupledabout the second ball joint 148B. It should be appreciated that therotatable joint 146 may be of any suitable configuration. Referring nowto FIGS. 7-9, in one embodiment, the fixed path 142 defines a plane 150and the shift lever 34 intersects the plane 150. Further, the secondball joint 148B is disposed below the plane 150. As shown, both thefirst 148A and second 148B ball joints, as well as the link 140, aredisposed below the plane 150.

In one embodiment, the emitter 136 is further defined as a magnet andthe detector 138 is responsive to predetermined changes in magneticfields generated by the magnet to determine the position of the emitter136 along the fixed path 140. To that end, the detector 138 may be ofany suitable type sufficient to sense and respond to changes in magneticfields. Moreover, it is conceivable that the emitter 136 could bemanufactured from an iron-based material and the detector 138 could be ahall-effect sensor that generates a magnetic field and is capable ofresponding to changes in the field due to interaction of the iron-basedmaterial of the emitter 136.

In one embodiment, the emitter 136 is further defined as a first emitter136A, the detector 138 is further defined as a first detector 138A, thefixed path 142 is further defined as a first fixed path 142A, the link140 is further defined as a first link 140A, and the shifter assembly 30further includes another sensing arrangement. The additional sensingarrangement includes a second emitter 136B spaced from the shift lever34 and movable along a second fixed path 142B, a second detector 138Bcoupled to the housing 32 for determining a position of the secondemitter 136B along the second fixed path 142B, and a second link 140B.The second link 140B has opposing first and second ends 152, 154 withthe second link 140B coupled to the shift lever 34 adjacent the firstend 152. The second emitter 136B is coupled to the second link 140Badjacent the second end 154 such that selected movement of the shiftlever 34 causes corresponding movement of the second emitter 136B alongthe second fixed path 142B and the second detector 138B determines aposition of the second emitter 136B along the second fixed path 142B.The second fixed path 142B has a substantially arcuate profile (compareFIGS. 10-12). The second link 140B is mounted to the shift lever 34 at aposition spaced from the attachment of the first link 140A to the shiftlever 34. More specifically, the second link 140B is mounted to theshift lever 34 at a position that is radially spaced from the attachmentof the first link 140A to the shift lever 34.

In one embodiment, the shifter assembly 30 further includes an arm 156pivotally mounted to the housing 42, specifically to the lower of thehousing inner elements 52A, with the second emitter 136B supported bythe arm 156 and the second end 154 of the second link 140B coupled tothe arm 156 so as to move the arm 156, and the second emitter 136B,relative to the shift lever 34 during the selected movement of the shiftlever 34. To that end, the arm 156 defines a slot 158 with the secondend 154 of the second link 140B disposed within the slot 158 andmoveable within the slot 158 when the shift lever 34 moves within thefirst and second gates 36, 40. The arm 156 includes a first arm end 160pivotally mounted to the housing 32, as discussed above, and a secondarm end 162 supporting the second emitter 136B adjacent thereto, withthe slot 158 disposed between the first arm end 160 and the second armend 162 of the arm 156.

The first detector 138A recognizes a change in position of the firstemitter 138A only when the shift lever 34 moves in one of the first andsecond gates 36, 40, and the second detector 138B recognizes a change inposition of the second emitter 138B only during the selected movement ofthe shift lever 34 along the bridge gate 44.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shifter assembly 30 includes acircuit board 164 operatively attached to the housing, specificallydisposed between the housing inner elements 52A, 52B, with the detector138A being mounted to the circuit board 164 and the circuit board 164defining a board plane 166 with the shift lever 34 extending through theboard plane 166. The circuit board 164 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is aprinted circuit board with additional major components and electricaltraces omitted for clarity. However, those having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the circuit board 164 may include othercomponents, traces, sensors, and the like, without departing from thescope of the present invention. Moreover, it is conceivable that theshifter assembly 30 may include other features, switches, buttons, orcomponents that are operatively attached to and in electricalcommunication with the circuit board 164. By way of non-limitingexample, the shifter assembly 30 may include a parking brake button 168in communication with the circuit board 164, and/or an electricalconnector 170 used to connect the circuit board 164 to the electroniccontrol unit or module 33 through a wire harness (not shown, butgenerally known in the art), as discussed above.

The circuit board 164 defines a notch 172 to accommodate movement of theshift lever 34 within the notch 172 without engaging the circuit board164. It will be appreciated that this configuration optimizes packagingspace of the shifter assembly 30 and facilitates simple assembly of thehousing 32, as noted above. As shown in FIG. 6B, the detector 138,specifically both detectors 138A, 138B, are disposed between the boardplane 166 and the link 140. Moreover, both detectors 138A, 138B may eachbe defined by a plurality of discrete detector components 138C, 137Dthat are disposed adjacent to one of the respective fixed paths 142A,142B.

In operation, the driver can actuate the shift knob 46 which, in turn,moves the shift lever 34. The shift lever 34 can move between the stablepositions 106, 108 to change between operating the transmission 31 inthe automatic shifting mode and the “sport” manual shifting mode,whereby movement of the shift lever 34 along the bridge gate 44 betweenthe stable positions 106, 108 is causes corresponding movement of thesecond emitter 136B which, in turn, the second detector 138B senses andcan generate a signal that can be used by the electric control module 33to differentiate between the shifting modes. Further, in either of theshifting modes, movement along any of the shift paths 38A, 38B, 42A, 42Btoward any of the unstable positions 110A, 110B, 112A, 112B causescorresponding movement of the first emitter 136A which, in turn, thefirst detector 138A senses and can generate a signal that can be used bythe electric control module 33 to differentiate between shiftselections. Thus, the movement of the first emitter 136A can be used todetermine a desired change between gear sets, as well to determine adesired change between operating modes.

In this way, the shifter assembly 30 of the present invention providesimproved functionality, usability, and ergonomics in connection withconventional automatic transmission systems and, at the same time,reduces the cost and complexity of manufacturing and assembling shifterassemblies 30.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is tobe understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Manymodifications and variations of the present invention are possible inlight of the above teachings, and the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described.

1. A shifter assembly for changing gears in a vehicle transmission, saidshifter assembly comprising: a housing; a shift lever pivotally mountedto said housing and movable in a first gate along a first plurality ofshift paths, a second gate along a second plurality of shift paths, anda bridge gate between said first and second gates with said gates beingdifferent from each other; a first pivot mechanism mounted to said shiftlever to permit movement of said shift lever relative to said housingabout a first pivot axis within one of said gates; a gimbal ring havingan outer surface and an inner surface defining an aperture with saidgimbal ring disposed about and coupled to said shift lever with saidshift lever extending through said aperture; a second pivot mechanismmounted to said gimbal ring to permit movement of said shift leverrelative to said housing about a second pivot axis within another one ofsaid gates, said second pivot axis being spaced from said first pivotaxis; said gimbal ring having a pair of pivot receivers recessed fromsaid inner surface and spaced from said outer surface with said firstpivot mechanism of said shift lever engaging each of said pivotreceivers to pivotally couple said shift lever to said gimbal ring. 2.The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first pivotaxis is substantially perpendicular to said second pivot axis.
 3. Theshifter assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said gimbal ringpivots in unison with said shift lever during said pivoting of saidshift lever about said second pivot axis.
 4. The shifter assembly as setforth in claim 1, wherein said second pivot mechanism includes a pair ofbores defined in said housing and a pair of opposing protrusionsextending from said outer surface of said gimbal ring.
 5. The shifterassembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said protrusions are separatedfrom each other and spaced from said aperture of said gimbal ring. 6.The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said housing isformed from at least two housing elements that cooperate to pivotallysupport said gimbal ring with one of said bores of said second pivotmechanism defined in each of said housing elements.
 7. The shifterassembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein each of said housing elementsinclude an arcuate receiver disposed adjacent said bore of said secondpivot mechanism having a configuration complementary to said outersurface of said gimbal ring for accommodating said gimbal ring.
 8. Theshifter assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said inner surface ofsaid gimbal ring defines a first perimeter and said shift lever has anouter surface adjacent said first pivot mechanism defining a secondperimeter with said first perimeter being larger than said secondperimeter to permit relative movement between said shift lever and saidgimbal ring when said shift lever moves in at least one of said gates.9. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said firstpivot mechanism includes a pair of opposing pivot keys mounted to saidshift lever that cooperate with said pivot receivers of said gimbal ringso as to allow movement of said shift lever about said first pivot axis.10. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein said pivotkeys are separately mounted to said shift lever and each extendoutwardly from said shift lever.
 11. The shifter assembly as set forthin claim 9, wherein said pivot keys of said shift lever have a keybearing surface and said pivot receivers of said gimbal ring have areceiver bearing surface with said key bearing surfaces cooperating withsaid receiver bearing surfaces to facilitate said movement of said shiftlever about said first pivot axis.
 12. The shifter assembly as set forthin claim 11, wherein said key bearing surface and said receiver bearingsurface each have a tapered profile.
 13. The shifter assembly as setforth in claim 11, wherein each of said pivot keys of said shift leverhave a pair of key walls depending from said key bearing surface andeach of said pivot receivers of said gimbal ring have a pair of receiverwalls that cooperate with said key walls to limit movement of said shiftlever about said first pivot axis.
 14. The shifter assembly as set forthin claim 13, wherein said key walls of said pivot keys define a firstangle therebetween and said receiver walls of said pivot receiversdefine a second angle therebetween with said second angle being largerthan said first angle.
 15. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim11, wherein said pivot keys have an axial lock spaced from said keybearing surface and said pivot receivers have an axial lock receiverspaced from said receiver bearing surface with said axial lockcooperating with said axial lock receiver to at least partially limitaxial translation of said shift lever with respect to said gimbal ring.16. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein said axiallock of said pivot key is further defined as a tooth, and said axiallock receiver of said pivot receiver is further defined as a notch forengaging said tooth.
 17. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 1,wherein said bridge gate is substantially perpendicular to at least oneof said first gate and said second gate.
 18. The shifter assembly as setforth in claim 1, wherein a first stable position is defined where saidbridge gate intersects said first gate, and a second stable position isdefined where said bridge gate intersects said second gate, and whereinsaid shift lever is biased: toward said first stable position when saidshift lever moves along said first plurality of shift paths, and towardsaid second stable position when said shift lever moves along saidsecond plurality of shift paths.
 19. The shifter assembly as set forthin claim 18, wherein said first plurality of shift paths includes afirst pair of unstable positions spaced from said first stable position,said second plurality of shift paths includes a second pair of unstablepositions spaced from said second stable position, and wherein saidshift lever is biased: away from each of said first pair of unstablepositions toward said first stable position when said shift lever movesin said first gate, and away from each of said second pair of unstablepositions toward said second stable position when said shift lever movesin said second gate.
 20. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 18,wherein said shift lever is biased along said bridge gate toward saidfirst stable position when said shift lever is closer to said firststable position than to said second stable position.
 21. The shifterassembly as set forth in claim 18, further including a detent mechanismdisposed between said shift lever and said housing for biasing saidshift lever along said bridge gate between said first stable positionand said second stable position.
 22. The shifter assembly as set forthin claim 21, wherein said detent mechanism includes a spring-biasedplunger coupled to said shift lever, and first and second receiversdefined in said housing with said plunger engaging said first receiverwhen said shift lever is in said first gate and engaging said secondreceiver when said shift lever is in said second gate.
 23. The shifterassembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein said spring-biased plunger isadapted to axially bias said shift lever with respect to said secondpivot mechanism.
 24. The shifter assembly as set forth in claim 22,wherein said second pivot mechanism includes a pair of sockets definedin said housing and a pair of opposing protrusions extending from saidouter surface of said gimbal ring, each of said sockets having inclinedwalls with said spring-biased plunger urging said protrusions of saidgimbal ring against said walls of said sockets.
 25. The shifter assemblyas set forth in claim 1, wherein said shift lever has an inner surfacedefining an inner chamber, said inner chamber being at least partiallydisposed adjacent to said first pivot mechanism.